A program designed to divert young offenders away from the criminal justice system in Baltimore City is facing criticism as concern grows over a lack of accountability for offenders.
The SideStep program is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, MONSE, and the Baltimore Police Department. First piloted in the Western Police District, Mayor Brandon Scott announced nearly $500,000 for the program in February 2024.
It’s a pre-arrest youth diversion program for people between 10 and 17 years old who are accused of drug possession, destruction of property, misdemeanor assault, larceny, shoplifting, and unauthorized use. The unauthorized use charge is often used when stolen vehicles are involved in cases.
In November, during a meeting with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, CJCC, representatives from the Office of Public Defender proposed an idea to divert people away from the criminal justice system if they are between 18 and 21 years old and accused of stealing a car for the first time.
A representative from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office who was participating in the virtual hearing initially said the office was “not in a position where we can make a commitment on this” proposal.
Scott raised concerns initially as well, noting it was difficult to determine whether someone in that age range didn’t have a criminal record.
“The reality is, it happens all the time, we find out after the fact that person has been doing this for a long time because none of us knew,” the mayor said during the virtual meeting.
However, it appears the SideStep program did divert young offenders involved in stolen autos, though the crime they were accused of committing was actually unauthorized use.
According to MONSE, there were 13 instances of young offenders that BPD referred to SideStep who were charged with unauthorized use in the Western Police District. However, according to a MONSE spokesperson, unauthorized use is no longer a qualifying offense for the SideStep program, as “part of our work to assess the Western District pilot and fine-tune the program.”
BPD confirmed that it has not diverted any unauthorized use cases to the SideStep program in 2025.
“SideStep is a shared pre-arrest diversion program between BPD and MONSE,” according to a MONSE spokesperson. “Our conversations with staff at the SAO have been around eligibility criteria and the overall process.”
But, according to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, “we can’t discuss criteria if we aren’t involved in the program.”
In a letter from the SAO obtained by FOX45 News, staff made it clear the office was concerned about SideStep and it being used to divert unauthorized use cases.
“The State’s Attorney has been especially clear on the fact that juvenile diversion for auto theft or related charges is inappropriate and does not serve Baltimore residents who are victims of these types of crimes,” the letter said.
“We have yet to receive update on how or whether DJS or MONSE or BPD will notify victims of juvenile crime whose cases have or will be diverted in lieu of prosecution,” it continued.
However, in response, BPD made it clear there have been representatives from the City State’s Attorney’s Office involved in regularly scheduled meetings about the SideStep program, noting various virtual meeting invites showing SAO staff members included.
Now, the SideStep program is only for young offenders accused of misdemeanor assault, shoplifting, destruction of property, larceny, and drug possession, according to MONSE, and will also accept referrals from school police as well as community members.
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